Wonderful parade

On behalf of the Te Awamutu Community Board, I would like to acknowledge the superb effort by the Rotary Club and all associated organisations and volunteers for this year’s Christmas Parade.

As first time organisers, this was a huge task for Te Awamutu Rotary, which resulted in a wonderful event enjoyed by a huge and appreciative crowd.

The positive feedback received by the Te Awamutu Community Board will ensure that continued funding is made available to ensure the future success of this event.

Well done to all those involved.

GARY DERBYSHIRE Te Awamutu Community

Board chairman

Mr Catchpole seems to misunderstand democracy.

New Zealanders voted for proportional representation and so to call the electoral process the majority of New Zealanders wanted undemocratic does not hold water.

Anyone who does not agree with euthanasia should simply not choose it when their time comes. Do not try to deny others their right to depart at a time of their choosing and in a dignified manner.

The religious do not agree with an individual’s right to elect their final time as they feel it’s God’s choice.

These same people are happy to artificially extend their time on this planet by taking all manner of drugs, tonics and lotions — this smacks of total hypocrisy.

If Mr Catchpole is trying to infer that a secular society is without morals I strongly disagree.

A government with no religious guidelines is a government not hindered in its decision-making by having to make considerations based on the belief of a greater being. If we do opt for a nonsecular government, which of the 4500 religions of the world would he like us to align with?

Since half of New Zealanders don’t associate with a religion (2017 figures), I suggest a democratic vote would lead us to retaining the secular approach to governance we currently have.

I also point out that religions have been behind the greatest killing of people known to mankind, and this shows no signs of abating.

Mr Catchpole also mentions legalising of drugs. It’s not drugs, a plural. It’s a drug — singular. This drug has already been legalised and/or decriminalised in many countries and states of America. By far a greater evil is alcohol.

GRAHAM DUNN